Match Report - Hartlepool United v Yeovil Town

Yeovil Town fell to a narrow 2-1 defeat to Hartlepool United at Victoria Park this afternoon. A cracking goal from Tom Knowles put Yeovil ahead early in the second half but Hartlepool hit back through Luke Armstrong. Just when the game was looking like it would end in a draw Hartlepool grabbed the winner at the end of normal time and Yeovil had to make the long journey back to Somerset empty handed.

Darren Sarll made one change to the side that beat Boreham Wood on Tuesday night as the injured Billy Sass-Davies was replaced by Matt Worthington.

Yeovil lined up in a 4-4-2 formation with Carl Dickinson, Max Hunt, Albi Skendi and Alex Bradley in front of Adam Smith. Matt Worthington, Josh Neufville, Tom Knowles and Jimmy Smith made up the midfield while Rhys Murphy and Joe Quigley lead the attack.

On the bench was Max Evans, Michael Kelly, Joe Quigley, Chris Dagnall and Matt Warburton.

Yeovil Town kicked off towards the home terrace.

The first 45 minutes was fairly end to end and quite entertaining as both sides were playing some nice football and trying to assert themselves onto the game.

Hartlepool got off to the better start as they enjoyed the better of the early chances. Just two minutes into the game Luke Armstrong unleashed a shot that hit the side netting much to the relief of the Yeovil players.

Just one minute later Luke Armstrong had another good chance as he received the ball in the center of the box and tried to tap it into the goal but Adam Smith was able to block the ball and was cleared away.

The first corner of the game came Hartlepools way on 5 minutes which was taken by David Ferguson on the right hand side. He played the ball short and it was crossed into the box but easily dealt with.

Even though Hartlepool were having the better of the early exchanges Yeovil were still very competitive and were playing with confidence. On 15 minutes some excellent goalkeeping from Ben Killip kept out quick fire shots from Rhys Murphy and Reuben Reid after a good team move allowed Yeovil to get into a good position and Killip was able to push Reuben Reids effort away for a corner on the right hand side.

Carl Dickinson crossed the ball to the far post and found Rhys Murphy but his header went way over the bar.

As the half progressed Yeovil were starting to look the better and more creative side and were really putting Hartlepool under some good periods of pressure.

On 41 minutes Hartlepool won a free kick on the left hand side of the box as Worthington gave away a foul. Clayton Donaldson took the kick and crossed the ball to the back post but it was well defended and the danger was averted.

1 minute of time was added on and both teams went in all square which was a fair reflection of the game so far.

Half Time: Hartlepool United 0-0 Yeovil Town

Just like in the first half it was Hartlepool United who enjoyed the better of the early chances. Straight from the kick off Hartlepool launched an attack and John Oates unleashed a thunderosus shot but it was straight into the hands of Adam Smith.

On 50 minutes Yeovil survived a scare as Hartlepool win the ball in midfield and they work the ball into a good position. Tom White gets a good cross into the box and John Oates's header flashed wide of the post when it looked to be heading into the back of the net.

On 53 minutes and out of nowhere Yeovil took the lead as Adam Smith launched a goal kick 70 yards up the field which was chested down and found Tom Knowles who then unleashed a cracking shot that flew past Ben Kilip and into the top corner.

On 58 minutes Hartlepool made their first substitution as Tom White was replaced by Tom Crawford.

On 67 minutes Yeovil made their first substitution as Rhys Murphy was replaced by Joe Quigley.

On 71 minutes Hartlepool found their equalising goal as Gavin Holohan's shot was blocked by Adam Smith and Luke Armstrong was there to tap the ball home.

In fairness it was nothing more than Hartlepool deserved as they had improved since they fell behind and had been threatening to equalise for some time.

Straight from the kick off they almost made it 2-1 as they quickly win the ball and work their way into a good position thanks to some poor defending from Yeovil and Luke Armstrong's shot from a narrow angle was deflected out for a corner which was defended clear.

On 75 minutes Hartlepool made their second substitution as Rhys Oates was replaced by Joe Grey.

As time ticked away a draw was looking like the most likely outcome but both sides were up for trying to take all three points. On 88 minutes Yeovil won a free kick as Tom Knowles was fouled by Ryan Donaldson. Before the free kick was taken Hartlepool made their final change as Ryan Donaldson was replaced by Mason Bloomfield.

The free kick was very poor and possession was easily given away and Hartlepool launched a counter attack with three attacking players all bearing down on the Yeovil goal. Yeovil struggled to clear the danger and a cross into the box from the goal line was tapped in by Gavin Holohan.

Yeovil responded by making their final two substitutions as Matt Warburton Chris Dagnall were introduced for Jimmy Smith and Tom Knowles to try and grab an unlikely point.

4 minutes of additional time was given but it passed without any threat from Yeovil and they were sent back down South empty handed.

Full Time: Hartlepool United 2-1 Yeovil Town

A disappointing result this afternoon especially after Yeovil had put in a decent performance. A draw would probably have been the fairest outcome today but you don't always get what you deserve and Hartlepool will be delighted that they managed to nick it late on.

The defeat sees us drop two places to 17th on 26 points having now played 22 games. With the National League North & South divisions now being declared Null and Void there will now be no relegation from the National League so from now until the end of the season Yeovil don't have to look over their shoulder.

Our season continues on Tuesday night as Weymouth make the short trip to Huish Park where they will be looking to get revenge on The Glovers for their 3-0 defeat to us in early January.

Man of the match voting for this defeat at Hartlepool United is now open. You can cast your vote here.

Hartlepool United

1 - Ben Killip, 7 - Ryan Donaldson (replaced by 9 - Mason Bloomfield on 89 minutes), 3 - David Ferguson, 2 - Lewis Cass, 4 - Gary Liddle, 15 - Ryan Johnson, 6 - Mark Shelton, 19 - Tom White (replaced by 2214 - Gavin Holohan, 11 - Rhys Oates (replaced by 12 - Joe Grey on 76 minutes), 29 - Luke Armstrong

Substitutes

5 - Timi Odusina, 22 - Tom Crawford, 18 - Luke Williams, 9 - Mason Bloomfield, 12 - Joe Grey

Yeovil Town

1 - Adam Smith, 27 - Alex Bradley, 26 - Max Hunt, 18 - Albi Skendi, 3 - Carl Dickinson, 21 - Tom Knowles (replaced by 11 - Matt Warburton on 92 minutes), 10 - Jimmy Smith (replaced by 34 - Chris Dagnall on 91 minutes), 24 - Josh Neufville, 7 - Matt Worthington, 9 - Rhys Murphy (replaced by 19 - Joe Quigley on 67 minutes), 33 - Reuben Reid

Substitutes

31 - Max Evans, 14 - Michael Kelly, 19 - Joe Quigley, 34 - Chris Dagnall, 11 - Matt Warburton